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Do you ever birdie or par a hole after finding trouble off the tee? Always try to get the ball in the fairway as much as possible in order to maintain high scores. I know it's not easy to do, especially if you are playing in a big game or tournament.  Below are a number of ideas for you to keep in mind while playing, in order to get the ball in the fairway.

 

Visualize your Shot

Always use a good visual image when playing golf whether professionally or recreationally. Same goes for any sport for that matter. Golf is described as a "mental game" rather than a really physical one because you are thinking more than using your body.

When you are in your tee box, make a stance behind the ball and pick your target. Make sure you feel the strike and believe the ball is going to land right on top of your target. Do not just hit the ball in the general direction of the target and hope for the best as this will NEVER work. Focus on your body position and alignment. Make sure you know when you're ready to take a swing and don't be too eager. When you've done that, imagine the perfect ball flight direction, height etc... Bring your mind back to the feeling you had when you had a really good drive before, maybe even in a different game if this is your first drive of this game. Finally, move to the address position and let it happen...

Remember: make sure to "see with your mind" what you want to happen. If you do this all the time, the chances of the ball landing in the fairway are much higher!

 

Swing within Yourself

Professional drivers will sometimes say they have a "bread and butter" and an all out shot. It's fine to "grip it and rip it". But this is only an option when the fairway is wide and your position is a good one and again, you are ready, relaxed and not nervous. Also, only use a swing you can trust when you need to be inside the fairway. Try to remember a swing that gives you good accuracy and go with that one. Usually this comes in the form of 80% speed and very smooth rhythm. Also, you might want to reduce the hip turn on the backswing. In this shot, you are trying to get the ball in-line and rolling accurately. Tiger Woods used this type of style in the U.S and British Opens in 2008. If you do it right, your ball will take off, fly low and roll. And knuckle down the fairway.

Always Maintain Balance

Balance is extremely important when expecting to get consistency with your golf drives. Even in other parts of the golf game. After the down swing, when the ball is in flight, you should be able to stand up tall with your body turned toward the target. You should be able to hold this position for a few seconds and without losing your balance. If you feel shaky, you will need to do some work. Do a few slow and complete swings and keep practicing these. The slow movement of the swing loosens up your muscles and prepares your body for the action and results in your body being more balanced. Gently start to increase your speed while maintaining balance toward the end and after the follow through. Don't be alarmed if you can't get it right straight away; just be aware that it will take time to find the right rhythm.

Choose the Right Tools for the job

Many beginners find this very difficult when they are just randomly trying out golf club after golf club. Club fitting can really speed up your progress in the game and yield better results in the long run. No two golf swings are alike. The best club for you might well be the worst for someone else, but this is normal as every human being is different and has certain preferences. You must find the best club to match your own style. This will then help you find the fairway a lot easier with your drives.